A real cool hobby is envied

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The Buzz by Marlene Bohr

It was one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time and one of the most interesting stories I have had the opportunity to write. I was invited to see Ken Kennedy and his friend, Bob King, launch their parachutes at the Lone Star airstrip early one evening. I amimpressed with the precision involved in this sport, as Mr. Kennedy checks the weather forecast very closely to see what the weather conditions are and more importantly what the wind speed is before they even attempt to launch their parachutes and go flying. 
 
My first impression of this yellow piece of metal was it looked almost like the time machine in one of those old movies. Sporting a small motor and 10 gallons of gas, with the use of the parachute, propeller and wind, they were up and flying in no time. It was truly amazing how simple it looked. They have enough gas to last more than two hours in the air. 
 
The machines are carried to the air strip on trailers and they were easily rolled off. Getting them ready to fly is another matter but goes quickly as they have to lay out the chutes behind the machine so the lines are correct and they will easily lift into the wind. Mr. King had a problem with his chute having a bit of tangles and called for his mentor to help. Not being in the flying business that long, Mr. Kennedy methodically helped as they moved lines and moved the chute, and after a time they had it all fixed together so it would easily be caught in the air and lifted up.
 
Mr. Kennedy said people say they are either crazy or are having a lot of fun. I think they definitely are in the category of having a lot of fun. I really envy them the experience. He said when they visit different area towns and fly over, people run out of their houses and wave. Others run inside to quickly grab a camera and others use their cell phone cameras. They were planning a trip to Ore City that evening. I have seen them over my house in Hughes Springs and of course, I was grabbing for my cell phone and snapped a couple pictures of them going down my street before they disappeared over the trees.
 
To continue reading this article purchase the June 26th edition of The Steel Country Bee or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/default.aspx
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